Heart First

Excerpt:
Shaking her head, she stepped off the curb. It took her less than two seconds to realize that the road wasn’t clear.

The black Chevy S10 barreled toward her at what seemed like lightning fast speed, but Kylie couldn’t move, couldn’t think. Her feet were frozen in place, her legs refusing to obey her brain’s commands. Burning rubber permeated her sense of smell while the hot breath of the truck’s engine bathed her face.

Neil was screaming her name and rushing toward her, but the Chevy was already squealing to a stop, the mud tires bumping against the yellow painted curb as brakes ground against pads. With a smoke of rubber and a roar of the engine, the driver managed to bring the large vehicle to an abrupt halt. Then, dropping his head to the steering wheel, he drew in several deep breaths while he tried to regain some semblance of control.

Kylie looked up as the driver’s door swung open. She caught a glimpse of long, muscular legs in tight denim before her eyes traveled over a dusty, white T-shirt up to a tanned face set in stern lines. Eyes that could only be described as the color of sapphires, eyes that riveted her attention, and when her gaze slid over shoulder-length brown hair, she struggled to breathe.

“Didn’t your mother ever teach you to look both ways before you cross the street? I almost hit you!”

Kylie didn’t immediately respond. Her hand went to her throat, and she gulped down fear mixed with excitement. Dear Lord, she wasn’t honestly considering the psychic could be right, was she? No, no, it was just the heat.

Yes, that was it. The heat.

Concern immediately lit Mac’s face, and his hand settled against her shoulder as his tone softened. Those eyes were touching on every angle of her face, lingering on her lips even as he voiced his concern. “Are you all right?” The deep baritone pulled her out of her trance.

“Danger.” It was the only word Kylie could say, but as Neil bounced to her side, he caught the inflection and his eyes feasted on the stranger’s face. He extended his hand politely, eagerly, prepared to glean the necessary information that Kylie was in no shape to procure.

“Hi. Neil Brock.”

Mac returned the handshake and cocked his head. “I know you. I’ve seen your face.” He snapped his fingers. “Of course. The news.” He bent his knees to see Kylie’s face. “And you’re the other half.”

Kylie managed a smile, albeit a wobbly one. “I’m not usually this quiet. Kylie Hutton.”

Mac took her hand in his although it wasn’t offered. “Well, Ms. Hutton, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Mac.”

“Does Mac have a last name?” Neil inquired solicitously, his eyes bubbling with an eagerness to elicit all the necessary details.

“Actually, that is my last name, MacKinsey. I go by Mac.” His hand was still holding Kylie’s. “Are you sure you’re all right? You look a little pale.”

Kylie’s knees wobbled, but it had nothing to do with her near miss. The psychic had described this man in full detail not less than ten minutes before, and now, he was standing in front of her. And he was everything Madame Elle had described and more.

Realizing both Mac and Neil were staring at her, she forced herself to respond. “I’m sorry. I’m fine, really. You should be the one shaking. I saw the way you had to bring that truck to a stop.”

Mac flashed a glance toward his vehicle. “I’ve had lots of practice. I hope it didn’t scare you too much.”

Kylie’s hand lifted, brushed at her hair, more for want of something to do with her hands than any concern over her hairstyle. “I have to admit seeing that truck bearing down on me didn’t do my heart any good, but I’m in good health. I’m sure I’ll recover.”

Mac still hadn’t released her hand, and he covered it with his other. “Well, just be careful when you step off a curb, Ms. Hutton. This town wouldn’t want to lose you anytime soon.” His eyes were twinkling, and he smiled warmly...or at least that’s how Kylie interpreted the smile.

She flushed and offered a smile of her own. “Thank you, but more importantly, thank you for being such an excellent driver. This could have had a far worse ending.”

“Tragic,” he responded quietly, never taking his eyes off of her face.